She might be from country music royalty, but Jem Cassar-Daley is turning heads as an emerging indie/pop musician on her own terms.
As the daughter of Troy Cassar-Daley and Laurel Edwards, the Gumbaynggirr Bundjalung woman grew up in a home surrounded by music. For her, it was “second nature”.
"Out on the farm we always sang harmonies around the table, that was what we did as a family. It's what we've done together as we grew,” Ms Cassar-Daley said.
"Even within our extended family, we all love to sing and get the guitar out at family gathos. It's just a big part of our lives.”
For Ms Cassar-Daley, pursuing music was a natural choice.
“I really don't know what I'd do without it, it's what I love to do. I love that it can also bring my family together,” she said.
"I was sung to when I was in the womb so it kind of makes sense that it’s such a big part of my life.”
With her own style and her own taste, Ms Cassar-Daley notes Joni Mitchell and Missy Higgins as her “ride or die” influences.
Jem Cassar-Daley with her brother and father singing. Source: Facebook
“The Sound of White CD was the first I ever owned, and the first I played on my little CD player,” she laughed.
“I love her(Higgins)and still do, I met her the other day and I was so shame!”
"There are so many artists that my Mum has played over the years, 70s artists like Fleetwood Mac influenced me a lot."
Kicking off her solo career in 2021, Ms Cassar-Daley released her debut single Letting Go in July. Since then she’s dropped two more singles and is currently touring across the country performing.
For Ms Cassar-Daley, her art is an extension of herself and something she hopes can inspire those that come after her.
"My music is a huge reflection of what is going on in my personal life . . . I look back on the stuff I've released and see my own personal growth, and my own development. My relationship struggles or going through anxiety or things like that,” she said.
“It's amazing when young girls come up to me at gigs, it's beautiful to see young women be inspired by what I write.”
Already an award-winning musician, the Meanjin-based woman took home the Indigenous Music Award at the recent Queensland Music Awards.
Jem Cassar-Daley took out the Indigenous Music Award at the QMAs Source: Supplied
"I still haven't really come to terms with it. There are so many young First Nations artists in Brissy that are coming through, that are absolutely killing the game. It's an absolute honour to be nominated alongside them, it's incredible,” said Ms Cassar-Daley.
At the event, she joined her father onstage to perform a cover of Mop and The Dropouts’ 1982 anthem Brisbane Blacks in honour of the band taking out the Lifetime Achievement Award.
"The experience was so emotional, it was such an honour to perform that song, to that crowd. To have their words, and their music and share that,” said Ms Cassar-Daley.
"It's one of the songs as well, I'd grown up with a few Mop and The Dropout songs, but I'd never sat and looked at the lyrics and the importance of them. How incredibly powerful they are and what they mean.”
She told NITV News that moments after leaving the stage, her and her Dad were in tears.
“We literally went off and cried. When we went on, we didn't look at each other the whole time because we knew we were going to cry if we did, so we just looked straight ahead!"
"Having the chance to perform alongside Dad was so special, with him I always feel like I have that anchor and that support. It was a special special night.”
From small local gigs to jet setting to different cities, Ms Cassar-Daley said her parents have been the biggest support.
Jem performing alongside her Dad Troy. Source: Supplied
"My Mum and Dad come to so many of my gigs, even just little ones down the road where I play three-hours of background music. They help me with my gear or however they can,” she said.
“Going to QMAs and having them there is beautiful because they've been such an anchor for me my whole life, through the tears and everything!”
With big things on the horizon, Ms Cassar-Daley is planning to release her debut EP in June.
"I really do love collaborating with Dad, he has helped me so much recording for my EP which shares stories of her family, where she’s grown up, her relationships and her life in COVID lockdowns.
“It was either write or buy an airfyer!” she laughed.
“These are more stripped back, it’s going to be a very vulnerable couple of songs, I’m really excited to share them with everyone.”
As far as a future collaboration with her old man, whilst nothing is officially planned, Ms Cassar-Daley said it was a long-term goal.
“There’s nothing on the books yet, but I’d love to. Dad’s been incredible helping me work on the EP, and get to that stripped-back style.”
As her star continues to rise, Ms Cassar-Daley remains humble – grounded by the love of what she does.
Jem working on her upcoming EP. Source: Facebook
"I'm just enjoying every step and taking every opportunity that comes my way - I grab it with both hands at the moment,” she said.
"I'm loving the fact that we can travel around, I can go and play gigs in all corners of Australia. Getting on a plane, and bringing in my keyboard and singing - this is my job! It’s so surreal. I still pinch myself.”
